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Wind Ensemble Concert

The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Martin I. Gaines, invites the community to a free, thought-provoking concert titled “The Blue Marble” on Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Annett Recital Hall of the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. This musical evening offers an exploration of space, wonder, and the fragility of our shared planet.

With a deep belief that music is both a communal and transformative experience, Dr. Gaines has crafted a program that draws the listener into an immersive journey through sound and symbolism. “I spend a lot of time selecting repertoire—sometimes years (really),” Gaines admits. He takes great care in crafting programs that tell a larger story and engage audiences in thought-provoking ways. “I particularly enjoy creating programs which cause the audience to think and even debate a topic.”

The namesake and centerpiece of the concert is Symphony No. 6 “The Blue Marble” by Julie Giroux (2022). This three-movement symphony—The Big Blue Marble, Voices in Green, and Let There Be Life—draws its name from the iconic 1972 photograph of Earth taken from space. Giroux’s work, presented in collaboration with Ion Concert Media, fuses music with visual storytelling to express the beauty, fragility, and resilience of life on our planet.

Other works on the program include Pillars (from A Starry Night) by Peter Meechan and Transit of Venus March by John Philip Sousa.

Dr. Gaines, now in his second year at UWL, is renowned for his dedication to student growth and for making music a meaningful bridge between campus and community. “I encourage all my students, regardless of major, to explore creativity, differing perspectives, and, of course, to develop their personal musicianship,” he notes. The Wind Ensemble is a vibrant blend of music majors and non-majors, united by a shared love of performance and expression.

“The Blue Marble” promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an invitation to experience the power of music as a lens for understanding our world and each other. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit uwlax.edu/vpa.

HOW TO ATTEND

What: UWL Wind Ensemble Concert
When: Saturday, May 3 at 4 p.m.
Where: Annett Recital Hall, Lowe Center for the Arts
Admission: Free and open to the public.
More Info: Contact the music department at 608.785.8409

Related campus initiatives

Student success Greater La Crosse community

When

  • 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Where

Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

UWL campus map for building location and nearby parking lots.

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Lowe Center for the Arts

Contact

For questions about this event or to request disability accommodations , contact David Bashaw at 608.785.8408 or dbashaw@uwlax.edu.

Parking

Payment may be required. No permit?
Use Passport Parking.

Additional parking info
Website for Parking | Email for Parking | Call for Parking

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